Let's talk grapples!

[NE Woodburner]

there is a risk of hitting the grapple with the saw chain teeth.

My stump bucket grapple is narrow, so not much risk for me. The downside of being narrow with logs is they are a little less stable due to the small clamping area. As I said earlier, it is definitely not ideal for logs, but it works for me and also works for the other tasks I use it for.

I know this may not be helpful to the OP but it seems that others are following for general information about grapples. Mine is the Titan extreme stump bucket with grapple. I think I paid about $1300 for it several years ago. Like everything, the price has gone up in recent years. On a skid steer this thing could really do some work. I try to take it easy so I don't tweek my loader arms on my tractor.

[OlJarhead]

The way it was explained to me was this:

If you FEL has a lift capacity of #3000 and your grapple weighs #900 than you can lift a #2100 log.
If your FEL has a lift capacity of #3000 and your grapple weights #300 then you can lift a #2700 log.

Seems legit.

[Old Greenhorn]

Weight is a consideration. Overloading a tractor (and it's front end) are easy to do. We have several rotating grapples around the mill and shop to choose from, one nice root grabble with a slit clamp, and a bunch of forks sets, so I get my choice. Most times it is the forks because well, Lumber. :D But when I put that root grapple on, the weight is noticeable and cuts down on what I can lift. For pulling logs high off the pile a rotating grapple is the best and safest choice. The forks are the only choice for lumber IMHO and work fine for queuing logs on the deck once pulled and bucked, then for taking away slabs at the end of the shift. My favorite use for the root grapple, besides what was already mentioned, is for harvesting mushroom logs in the woods because I can lay them in the grapple like a cradle and they don't slide out. If needed I can even close the clamps a bit, but I can't scratch up the bark.
I generally run these on a skid steer or most often a toolcat, which I find easier to work with. Everything has a bob-tach hookup, so changing is quick (if the ground is flat).

[SawyerTed]

So y'all have me shopping aka spending money....

I've run across grapples made not far from me.   Prices are good on 3/8" metal and a bit more expensive on 1/2".   

What I'm finding is the "jaw" opening on some is smaller than others.   26" is still a big log but could be limiting in brush moving operations.   

So the lesson I'm learning is the "jaw" opening is as important as cost and configuration.

[TimW]

 3/8" tines were too lite weight for my Mahindra 6520.  I sold that grapple at auction ASAP and got one with 1/2" tines.  It is tough.  I hit a root going too fast and it didn't bend, the loader spreader arm twisted.  Only reason I knew something happened was one quick latch popped up.

[TroyC]

Prices are good on 3/8" metal and a bit more expensive on 1/2".   

Many of the 3/8" side plates are on the lighter weight grapples that go in the neighborhood of 1500.00. You can bend them. It's true that the heavier the grapple the less you can lift. My understanding is that the medium grapples in the 72" range go for around 2500 and up, weigh about 700 lbs. If I need max lifting I use the lighter weight forks. For precision log loading I use the split clamshell on the manual mill. When rolling a heavy log off the forks onto the mill  one must be careful to prevent log from rolling off the mill or hitting the stops hard enough where you bump mill enough to need realignment. I prefer to load logs on loading dock and roll onto mill in a controlled manner. A large log loaded with the clamshell can be placed accurately and gently so not to disturb mill alignment.

Make sure your grapple has grease fittings with zerk protectors and is heavy enough to do the job for you. All will pick up logs and brush but the real test is when you try digging out a stump or big root.

[terrifictimbersllc]

This thread has me itching to go around grabbing things (with a tractor).

Tractor is 25HP Kubota L2050DT with Woods 1009 loader, lifting cap about 1100 pounds. 
It was my dad's tractor, and I like it. Diesel, 4WD, only 600 hr.
I have "pin on" Woods bucket and Woods forks.  Tired of "pinning on" and tired of not being able to grab things.

Slippery slope would be  as follows, didnt do it yet.  Maybe nuts.

$918 for ATI Quik-Tach mounts for my loader to be able to hook up to skid steer mount attachments.
$228 each for weld/bolt on mounts to convert my bucket and forks.   Wondering if I should just fab up these . Maybe buy one and copy it, or not.
$999 for WR Long 3rd function valve kit for my Woods 1009 loader.  Wondering why these are so expensive but I'm sure I'll find out.
$2425 for a 61" clamshell Virnig grapple 300 pounds with A400 tines. See PDF.  Could save 50 pounds and probably a few $$ if i get a 54" one.
$250 approx for delivery of above.

If patient could probably wait save on a used grapple somewhere. Doubt I would find a mounting adapter for my loader or the 3rd function valve kit used, so this would be about a $2K investment in a little old tractor.

Will this grapple hold a 500-600 pound log in the "limp wrist" position?
Are there other lighter stronger grapples to consider?

[AndyVT]

I have a Frostbite bypass grapple and I don't think it has been mentioned. To be honest it really is meant for log handling though it can move brush and the like if needed. They make a large version with a 40 inch spread and a lighter unit that I think is 29 inches. Weight is in the 300# range. 3/8 and 1/2 inch steel, greaseable zerks, with my M 6040 will lift and carry a 20 inch 16 foot white pine log, well under $2K.

[KenMac]

I haven't checked their prices lately but Everything Attachments makes excellent attachments and are worthy of your research on this. My EA root rake grapple has held up to tremendous abuse and only has suffered slightly bent tines from dragging trees with root balls attached. It only weighs 225 lbs. and has been my best attachment investment. I'm not affiliated with EA at all, but will speak about really good stuff when it might help someone.

[SawyerTed]

Everything Attachments implements are good quality, from American steel made in Conover NC.  That's just up the road and hour from me. 

[Ed]

I have the Bobcat industrial grapple. Independent clamps and its a solid bottom & back.
Tried a clamshell type, didn't like it. Always something poking thru the bars trying to poke you in the cab...
I welded teeth on the cutting edge so it can be used as a rake. Being solid it also can be used to move a little dirt to fill in holes when in the woods.

Ed

[davch00]

I build mine. It's roughly based off a TMG log grapple. When I was looking for one the prices and weight were big concerns for me.�
I managed to build mine for about $400 and about half the weight of the ones I looked at. It's plenty strong enough for my little tractor.�

[terrifictimbersllc]

Really like that, would love to do the same. If you're willing would be great to see some closeups.

Responding to earlier comments,
I looked at Everything Attachments, Wicked 55" root/rake grapple, 236 pounds (good), $2600 delivered to freight terminal.

Frostbite log grapple, I'd prefer, looks like davch00's above, 359 pounds (too heavy for me), $1999 plus freight.

I ordered the Wicked 55 but it is 6 months or more out, might cancel.  I'd rather have one with two independent closing lids but didnt see any that were light like the Wicked55.

[mike dee]

My old single lid grapple couldn't pick up this log, I'd have to use my forks. A thumb with my forks would be an excellent option for log handling.

[beenthere]

I think "The Thumb" from Greens Machine Shop is a good way to go if you just want to add to your forks or bucket. Under $900.

http://www.greens-machine.com/id47.html

[Magicman]

I also have the 36" that beenthere described above and am pleased.

[fluidpowerpro]

Might want to check out Halverson Wood Products. They make ones as a grapple only, plus with a chainsaw built on to cut firewood.

[Tony Sawmill]

Hi all- just wanted to say thanks again for all the feedback on all things grapples.  I went with the "bucket style" grapple and thus far it seems it will be a great fit for me and how I use it around my mill and the property.  I got it about 7-10 days ago and thus far I really like it. 



As an aside, I saw today that it appears the company "Everything Attachments" went out of business just this week.  Kind of makes me glad I hadn't ordered a grapple from them! 



Thanks again!


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[terrifictimbersllc]

Tony, where did you see that Everything Attachments went out of business.?

[Tony Sawmill]

Tony, where did you see that Everything Attachments went out of business.?

I saw it on several Facebook tractor groups I am on. Also the EA Facebook page is "paused" though their website is still up right now. Also this video:
https://youtu.be/MZjNz9XN3vo?si=0X5C5ucG0DwCnqjh

[rusticretreater]

They are involved in a huge lawsuit with folks who built their new factory building.  There is a counter lawsuit.  The most recent report was they stopped all production except grapples because they are way behind on those orders.  I read they have stuff sitting outside that they have to pay guys to buff them to keep the rust at bay.  Plenty of stories on the lawsuit, nothing saying they are out of business.

[711ac]

I also have a Loftness twin lid flat bottom. I've been abusing it for close to 20 years on a 115 HP skid steer and a 95hp tractor. I've "tweaked" one of the lids a little, yes abusing it sneaking a big log out of the woods from the end pulling around a bumper tree with 1 lid grabbing the log. It's moved tons of rocks the size of your recliner chair!
It's nice for slabwood off the mill and delivering logs to or on the mill.
With the large opening you can crab a minivan size pile of brush or  multiple logs at once.
I've never had the other style but I can't see the single lid being great on much of anything but perfect logs with minimal taper. And only 1 at a time.
I don't use it for lumber, that's a job for my forks but it's also perfect for firewood making.

[OlJarhead]

Wow, that's crazy on EA!  I still want to get one of thier grapples some day as those are the big boys as far as I can tell!

[terrifictimbersllc]

I had ordered the wicked 55 grapple and a third valve function kit for my tractor from everything attachments. A couple days before Tony's message above -THANK YOU-I had called in at their request, to clarify some details about the valve kit and grapple hydraulic connections. For about a week the whole charge was on my credit card as pending. I was getting increasingly worried but then that charge disappeared and hasn't come back. Today I phoned in to two different numbers and no answer, and got a voicemail option to leave a message, but that mailbox was full. So I sent an email canceling my order and inviting them to call if they needed to discuss that.

If that charge appears again, I will immediately dispute it. Not sure what I'll do about a grapple yet, but now I have a chance to buy one twice so thats a plus.

The upside was that I have subscribed to the Hickory local online newspaper for one dollar for three months, so I could read an article about everything attachments, so now I am reading news from North Carolina which is actually quite interesting. Plus the national and regional news in that paper  are more interesting and tolerable to read than the crap that I could read here in my paper if I so subscribed. Isn't life interesting. 

[alecs]

Potentially silly question- I like the idea of the Thumb to add to my existing Artillian pallet forks on my JD 430 Loader.  But I only have the loader arms up and curl hydraulics so I would need a diverter valve and a bunch of new hoses and other hardware.  So I was also thinking about the post from davch00 and thinking of building my own.  In doing so, I was thinking it might be more straightforward to build something with an electric actuator instead of a separate hydraulic cylinder.  That would eliminate the need for the diverter valve and the extra hydraulic hoses and fittings.  I'd already have to do wiring to a switch for the diverter if I went that route, so I call the electric wiring a wash.  And I would be able to remove the thumb by just unplugging an electric connector instead of the hydraulics.

A quick search on ag-rated electric actuators yields some results from TiMotion - I'm sure there are others - but their MA3 series says it has maximum force of 16,000 Newtons or about 3,500 lbs, and is rated for washdown.  Haven't done the design yet to see if that would be sufficient.

Any thoughts on this approach?